One of the side effects of the quest for improved efficiency and productivity is the blurring of the lines of distinction between many different computer technologies within high performance networks and heterogeneous environments.
This is the view of Louis Helmbold, technology and business development manager at Duxbury Networking, who says it`s important for users to gain an understanding of the implications of this trend in order to save on development costs over time.
"The convergence of computer platforms in major organisations is spurred on by the steady climb in the installation and maintenance costs of separate network architectures and the performance advantages of combining voice and data traffic," he says.
"Today convergence technologies are increasingly seen as business tools that aid productivity and forward planning.
"Even smaller companies are adopting new, converged voice and data technologies - particularly voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) - in order to realise benefits such as reduced complexity, lower operating costs and increased productivity from fewer staff members."
Helmbold says the most basic advantages of VOIP applications include the ability by users to right-click on a telephone number and have the computer system dial it automatically.
"By the time an incoming call reaches your desk the caller`s record on the database can be open," he says. "And on the latest systems you will be able to answer the call on either the fixed-line system or your cellphone, giving you more mobility."
Helmbold says wireless technologies such as WiFi are usually installed to complement the fixed-line network and this will now add to the concept of mobility as a WiFi phone can be used to make calls from any location in the company.
"An alternative is to add VOIP software to your notebook so that you can accept telephone calls without restriction.
"An advantage of using WiFi as a mobile device, is the ability to determine the exact location of the device - and thus the user - with the use of WiFi positioning systems."
Helmbold says the concept of convergence will become an integral part of the corporate infrastructure of the future, when many applications will be seen as "mission-critical" by decision-makers.
"For example, closed circuit TV [CCTV] which converges data and video applications has been declared a mission-critical safety application by certain companies in the manufacturing arena."
Helmbold says it`s important for organisations to begin preparations for future convergence now by implementing robust, reliable network infrastructures that address the need for better bandwidth optimisation, traffic prioritisation, VLAN planning and network management.
"Staff training is also key - not only in terms of the technical aspects of convergence but also in administrative functions such as change management and control," he adds.
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